Natick: Field project progressing near Cole Center

Wednesday

Jul 9, 2014 at 1:14 AM

By Brian BensonDaily News Staff

NATICK – Recreation officials are progressing with plans to create an artificial turf field on an existing field north of the Cole Center.They hope to present the project soon to the Planning Board, Recreation and Parks Director Jon Marshall said.The estimated $1.4 million project would replace an existing, deteriorating grass field with a full-size soccer/lacrosse field than can be divided into two smaller fields for some programs, Marshall said."It’s condition-wise a field that’s in pretty tough shape," Marshall said of the existing field. "We would have had to do something to the field regardless."Using artificial turf allows leaders to schedule activities more frequently on the field, he said.Some residents have worried the project will involve taking down too many trees and that there may be insufficient parking.Marshall said crews will only remove trees that they have to in order to construct the field. And, leaders are looking at adding parking along Boden Lane, he said.Out of the estimated $1.4 million, $200,000 will come from mitigation money paid by the developer of the Chrysler Road housing project. The Natick Soccer Club has indicated it will provide up to $600,000, covering half of the remaining $1.2 million cost to the town. The club last month donated $350,000 of their commitment to the town."It’s just a tremendous contribution the soccer club made," Marshall said, adding the organization helped with the artificial turf field by Natick High School and has contributed to smaller projects elsewhere. "For them to step up and help with this project is huge."Mike Maichen, a member of the club’s board, said club leaders plan to provide the remainder of the funding when the project is further along."We’ve had a long history of partnering with the town on projects," Maichen said, adding this will be the club’s largest investment. "This is just another example of a private-public partnership."Maichen said the club has been saving money for several years and raises money to use for projects like this through hosting tournaments, running silent auctions and other fundraisers and receiving private donations.Brian Benson can be reached at 508-626-3964 or bbenson@wickedlocal.com. Follow him on Twitter @bbensonmwdn.